Auckland TC 24 October 2025 – R4 – Maurice McKendry
ID: RIB59922
Animal Name:
BRIENNE
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
24/10/2025
Race Club:
Auckland Trotting Club
Race Location:
Alexandra Park - Cnr Greenlane West & Manukau Road Greenlane, Auckland, 1051
Race Number:
R4
Hearing Date:
24/10/2025
Hearing Location:
Alexandra Park
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Driver Maurice McKendry is fined $400
Summary of Facts:
Following the running of Race 4, the Respondent Mr M McKendry admitted a breach of Rule 869(3)(b); namely that he drove carelessly near the 150 metres, when he shifted in when insufficiently clear of PATRICK MAHOMES (Z Butcher), resulting in that horse being checked.
The Respondent endorsed the Information and confirmed he understood the Rule and the nature of the charge.
Rule 869(3)(b) provides:
No driver in any race shall drive:
(b) carelessly; (Allowing runner to improve onto a wheel. Shifting ground. Easing the pace)
Using available video footage (side, front and back straight), Chief Stipendiary Steward, Mr N McIntyre identified the horses involved in the incident, BRIENNE, driven by Mr McKendry and PATRICK MAHOMES, driven by Mr Z Butcher. He said that Mr McKendry initially was going to move out, but then moved in and as a result, made contact with PATRICK MAHOMES (Z Butcher), checking that horse, which was then held up. Mr McIntyre advised that Mr Butcher indicated that his horse was only battling at the time of the incident.
Mr McKendry noted that his horse had contributed to the incident, by drifting in more than he had wished to.
Decision:
The charge is admitted by the Respondent and is therefore deemed proved.
Submissions for Penalty:
Chief Stipendiary Steward, Mr McIntyre, considered that the breach was in the low to mid-range, due to the interference and the consequences for PATRICK MAHOMES. Under the Penalty Guide, this would be a $400 fine ($300 fine for low level and $500 fine for a mid-range breach) or a 2 day suspension.
He produced Mr McKendry’s record, which was 159 drives for this season, with no penalties under this Rule within the 6 month reset period.
Mr McKendry noted his clear record and that he would prefer a fine.
Reasons for Penalty:
The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a $400 fine or 2 day suspension for a low to mid-level breach. Mr McKendry preferred a fine to a suspension.
After considering the submissions of both the Applicant and Respondent and noting the race film, the Adjudicative Committee assessed the breach as being in the low to mid-range.
In terms of penalty, after evaluating all the circumstances, the Adjudicative Committee saw no reason to deviate from the Penalty Guide and determined a fine of $400 to be appropriate in this case.
Conclusion:
The Respondent is fined $400.
Decision Date: 24/10/2025
Publish Date: 28/10/2025